Liberal Democrats have run Kingston Council for the past eight years. Working with you, we are immensely proud of what we have achieved in this time: despite being handed one of the lowest government grants in London, we have transformed an area blighted by years of Conservative neglect into the safest, greenest and healthiest borough in the capital.

Local Liberal Democrats had the vision to invest and innovate; we delivered a ‘clean sweep’ of our streets, led a recycling revolution and opened a world-class theatre in the heart of the Kingston community. This year, when Council Tax was set at its lowest increase in Kingston’s history, the borough was rated as having some of the best education, social care and recycling services in the country – and we were recognised as having the strongest working relationships with our local police, voluntary sector and business community.

But, for whoever is elected to run the Council for the next four years, things will not be able to continue as ‘business as usual’. Public finances are under enormous strain, at the same time as many local residents face their own financial struggle and this will have an impact on the economic health of our high streets and local shops and businesses. There has already been an increase in demand for housing, care and social services putting further pressure on council finances.

So this year’s Liberal Democrat manifesto reflects these changing times. Instead of offering voters a shopping list of pledges and promises – we are stating 10 firm commitments to our residents.

Some of the Council candidates at the launch of our manifesto

We believe the people of this borough face an important choice in such a difficult economic climate. Inevitably our opponents will offer short-term cheap gimmicks, pretending that local authority spending can be slashed while dismissing the consequences. They see spending on elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents – as well as the costs of keeping our town centres safe and vibrant – as “non statutory” and therefore easily disposable.

Local Liberal Democrats however, do not want to go back to the dark days of dirty streets, overflowing classrooms and run down high streets. We don’t believe these are the things that residents want, and that we can defend and continue the progress of the past eight years in an efficient and affordable way.

You can download a pdf of the complete manifesto at the bottom of this page.

Or you can click on the links below which will take you to sections that may be of interest to you.

Environment – our agenda and our response to climate change

Better housing for our tenants – more affordable homes

Excellent Education and services for young people and families

Culture and Heritage – good range of easily accessible cultural facilities

Sporting and Play Opportunities

Best place to live

Caring for our health and the elderly and vulnerable

Working with our voluntary and community sector

Safer Borough – where people do not fear crime

Neighbourhoods and participation and hubs and informed communities

Value for Money – leaner Council